petite spitfire, student advocate, teacher supporter, passionate educator, elementary principal, beautiful disaster, justice seeker, she her, tweets mine

St. Louis, Missouri
In June, Eddie broke his leg playing in a charity event. It's been a journey getting back, but here he is, doing what he loves again. Sometimes it's not even about the goal. It's about getting back out there. Although… that's a pretty great goal. ❤️⚽
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Retirement has a beautiful way of slowing life down. Less rushing, more wandering, and more time to soak in the beauty of good places and simple moments. Turns out, slowing down might be the best part of living. ❤️
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Who knew Davenport was such a vibe?
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My next chapter began today. ❤️ I’m so excited to work with staff and students in a new way. Hearing the story of how this school came to be made me even more certain that I’m doing the right thing for right now. I hope to make life easier for the amazing people serving kids.
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Getting to see some of my former teacher colleagues was amazing. I haven’t worked there in more than 10 years, but being back with them made it feel like just yesterday. I loved teaching middle school, and these people will always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️
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I’ve been fortunate to be part of several incredible schools over the years. Each one was different, but they all had one thing in common: the people. No matter the building, the greatest gift was always the people.
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He may not know the offside rule, but he’s 100% convinced he’s Argentina’s good luck charm. 🇦🇷🐶💙 #VamosArgentina
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A surprise stop at summer camp on my last day, and the kids delivered exactly what I needed—big smiles, big energy, and full hearts. Leaving the people is tough, but I’m ready for a slower pace and excited to see what comes next.
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Cheering on Team USA with colleagues-turned-friends. It’s a good reminder that some of the greatest gifts of our careers are the people we meet along the way.
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When life gives you lemons, forget the lemonade. Get a puppy. It’s louder, messier, and far more effective at making you forget your problems.
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Some birthdays arrive with celebrations. This one arrives with perspective. I’ve said goodbye to a friend, lost my dog, watched my son get hurt, and carried more than I expected these past few weeks. Today, at 49, I’m grateful for what remains, and hopeful for what’s ahead.
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Living his dream, therefore I am living mine.
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I spy one of my favorite players on the big field. Yes, Ed! @STLCITY2
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These are the only pictures I’ll share from my last day as principal because the rest involve the kind of crying that should stay off the internet… There’s something beautiful about reaching a season where you can finally sit still and simply admire what grew around you.
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Last week they celebrated me. This week they pied me. Closing this chapter feels a lot like finishing a well-loved book—gratitude for the story, heartbreak that it’s ending, and deep appreciation for every page. I’m the lucky one.
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Sent the final family newsletter today.
It somehow felt less like hitting “send” and more like the closing number of a musical where everyone hugs, the lights dim, and I quietly wonder if I remembered to update the calendar one last time.
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Wrapping up another week of celebrating the best staff in the world. The budget may not be unlimited, but my appreciation and respect for what they do for kids every single day certainly is. ❤️
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Pretty special getting to celebrate this season with people who inspire me daily. Somewhere out there are the rest of the pictures… probably blurry and full of laughter (and possibly my tears).
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A little staff love from our PTO! ☕️ Coffee just hits different when someone else is treating.
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Eddie on TV doing the soccer. Me on the couch yelling “switch it!” like I’ve ever switched anything besides channels. A 2-1 USA win over Mexico! Holy proud, Batman.
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Proud of the player, even more proud of the person. Let’s go, 13!
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When you work with the best…
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It’s hard to say goodbye to a role that’s meant so much—but the people are forever. Thankful for every moment and excited to carry these connections into what’s next. 💚
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Received this text today from one of our amazing teachers. I’m fine. I’m swear. My face is just sweating feelings. 😭😭😭
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I’m grateful for the women in my life who listen without judgment, remind me of my worth, and create space for me to show up as my true self.
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Probably one of my favorite pictures ever. Im so proud of this kid AND proud that from behind you’d never guess I’m old enough to retire. 💚🤣
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15-years-old and so thankful to get to be on the field with the big kids. I’m certainly his biggest fan. The heart. The passion. The humility. Get em, Ed!!!
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There are a million things I’ll miss about being a principal…but right at the very top? Those spontaneous group hugs in the hallway. Pure joy, no agenda, just kids reminding you why the work matters.
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One of the best trips with some of the best people. I’m so glad I said yes to more time with my kids. València, Barcelona…✅
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Laliga game. Valencia defeated Lavante. Tomorrow we hope StlCity does the same!
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Off to Spain!🇪🇸⚽️
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In my quest to be less “principal” and more “mom,” I agreed to coach my 6th grader’s volleyball team. I have 48 years of life experience, 0 years of volleyball, and 100% soccer instincts. Pretty sure I kicked the ball under the net and yelled “OFFSIDES.” Coaching era: thriving.
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Two boys. One ball. A lifetime of goals. So proud of BOTH of my little ballers. #ECNL #AllForCity
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Eddie Niles has scored a lot of goals in his life. This one just happened to involve a basketball hoop. ⚽🏀
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Someone just referred to intermission as half-time and I’m dead. DEAD!
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One of the best parts of the year was seeing my son Henry get a Varsity letter for soccer as a Freshman. Twin boys, two paths, one passion. He is truly an amazing kid.
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I can think of nothing that summarizes my year better than this. IYKYK
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I went with the animal print. They went best with my personality.
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This is what my book is about. Being who teachers need, even if it means changing what you thought the job would be.
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My niece doesn’t know it yet, but she’s so going to be an educator. Total kid magnet.
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After three weeks of surprises for staff, we ended with personal notes for each of them. I know it’s not for everyone, but a handwritten note is always my love language.
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Yeah, I won’t be leaving.
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When they get to write to anyone, and they choose you! I’m a sucker for a handwritten note, and these did not disappoint. Kids are just the best!
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When I stepped into their classrooms, the kids made these. The way they talk about their teachers always makes my heart full. Forever grateful for my flock.
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When you get TP’d twice in 48 hours, you start wondering: Is this because people like my boys? Or dislike their principal? Either way, the cleanup committee is… also me. 🧻
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No one: Do you have teenage boys? Me: How did you know?
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School picture, Year 27: proof that joy and exhaustion can absolutely coexist in one human face.
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PJ night to kick off the book fair AND I get to read a bedtime story to some of my favorite people…This is one of my most favorite GT traditions.
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Happy birthday to the girl who teaches me daily to embrace my weird and to be comfortable in my skin. I may be (a lot) older, but she is definitely wiser. This is 12.
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